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One-Pan Lemon Chicken and Veggie Orzo Recipe

One-Pan Lemon Chicken and Veggie Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender lemon-seasoned chicken, sautéed veggies, and creamy orzo pasta. This easy-to-make recipe combines Mediterranean-inspired ingredients for a wholesome and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Veggies

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: crumbled feta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced or cubed chicken breasts with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion, diced zucchini, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Stir the orzo pasta into the veggies, toasting it lightly in the skillet for 1–2 minutes. This helps enhance the flavor of the pasta.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, then add cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Reintroduce the Chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Allow the chicken to heat through for 2–3 minutes ensuring everything is well mixed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish and add crumbled feta if desired. Serve warm for a delicious and balanced meal.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
  • Add spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for extra greens.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt intake.
  • Optional feta adds a salty, creamy finish but can be omitted for dairy-free needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan meal, lemon chicken, orzo recipe, healthy chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken, easy weeknight dinner, chicken and vegetables

Find it online: https://maicook.com/one-pan-lemon-chicken-and-veggie-orzo-recipe/